India's Astronomy Leap: Four Major Facilities Announced in Budget 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled ambitious plans on Sunday to establish and upgrade four significant astronomy facilities, marking a substantial expansion of India's ground-based observation capacity. This strategic move, announced as part of Budget 2026, underscores the government's commitment to advancing scientific research and public education in astronomy and astrophysics.
Major Projects to Enhance Astronomical Research
The comprehensive initiative includes the development of two new cutting-edge telescopes and the enhancement of existing infrastructure, alongside a new public education facility. According to Prof Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), headquartered in Bengaluru, all projects will be implemented by the institute, ensuring coordinated execution and scientific oversight.
The key projects announced are:
- National Large Solar Telescope (NLST): A two-metre class optical and near-infrared instrument to be located near Pangong Lake in Ladakh.
- National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT): A larger facility of 10-12 metres, also planned for the Hanle region of Ladakh.
- Upgrade to the Himalayan Chandra Telescope: An enhancement to extend the capabilities of this existing telescope in Hanle.
- Cosmos-2 Planetarium: A new public education centre to be built in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
Scientific Significance of the New Telescopes
The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is specifically designed to study the Sun's magnetic fields and the processes that trigger solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Its location in Ladakh, a high-altitude desert, is ideal for optical and near-infrared observations due to significant periods of coronagraphic skies with high transparency and laminar winds that provide outstanding seeing conditions. Continuous ground-based monitoring from NLST will complement data from ISRO's Aditya L1 mission, which observes the Sun from space, creating a comprehensive solar observation network.
The National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT) represents a significant leap in observational capabilities. Operating across optical and infrared wavelengths, this 10-12 metre telescope will enable astronomers to observe distant galaxies, star-forming regions, and exoplanets with unprecedented clarity. As noted in an IIA scientific publication, such large telescopes require segmented primary mirrors to ease fabrication, transportation, operation, and maintenance processes, meeting the growing scientific demands in astronomy and astrophysics.
Strategic Location in Ladakh
Both the NLST and NLOT are planned for the Hanle region of Ladakh, which has emerged as India's primary astronomy site. This high-altitude desert offers clear skies, low atmospheric moisture, and limited light pollution, making it an exceptional location for astronomical observations. The Himalayan Chandra Telescope, operational in Hanle since 2000, has already supported numerous studies on variable stars, supernovae, and active galaxies. The proposed upgrade to this telescope will further extend its research capabilities, building on its established scientific contributions.
Public Education and Outreach Initiatives
Alongside the research infrastructure, the government announced Cosmos-2 (Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre-2), a planetarium to be built in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. This facility is intended as an education centre equipped with digital projection systems and interactive exhibits to engage the public and students in astronomy. The IIA has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to implement this project.
This announcement follows the advanced stages of completion for Cosmos-1, an LED Dome planetarium and research training centre in Mysuru, Karnataka. According to the IIA, Cosmos-1 will be the world's first independent 8K resolution LED dome planetarium, representing a significant technological advancement in planetarium systems and setting a benchmark for future facilities.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The announcement of these four facilities reflects a strategic investment in India's scientific infrastructure, positioning the country as a key player in global astronomy research. By enhancing ground-based observation capabilities and promoting public education, the initiative aims to foster innovation, inspire future scientists, and contribute to international scientific collaborations. The integration of these projects under the IIA's leadership ensures a cohesive approach to advancing India's astronomical endeavors, with potential long-term benefits for technology development, education, and scientific discovery.
